The Magic Kingdom is abuzz with news that has stirred strong emotions among Disney fans. Tom Sawyer Island, a cornerstone of Walt Disney World, celebrated for being the only attraction originally designed by Walt Disney himself, is slated for closure. This decision comes as part of Disneyland’s sweeping expansion plans to revamp Frontierland and introduce a “Cars”-themed ride echoing the beloved attraction at Disney California Adventure.
Since its debut in Disneyland in 1956, with a replica installed in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom two decades later, Tom Sawyer Island has been cherished for its leisurely, exploratory charm. Fans have voiced their dissatisfaction across social media platforms, lamenting the loss of a timeless piece of Disney’s legacy.
The new “Cars”-themed ride promises to take guests on a thrilling rally race around iconic terrains like mountains and geysers. “To make way for this completely new frontier, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers,” noted Michael Hundgen of Walt Disney Imagineering.
Although this ambitious project aims to bring new excitement to visitors, not everyone is on board. Criticism has centered on the removal of spaces where children could freely roam and explore. Comments from users reflect a deep-seated concern that this change signifies a deviation from Disney’s roots in favor of commercial gains.
Despite the backlash, Disney remained optimistic about the new direction. The recent D23 fan convention announced other exciting additions too, such as Pixar’s “Coco” attraction at Disneyland and new Marvel-themed rides, underscoring Disney’s efforts to continually innovate and expand.
What do you think about this change? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know if this transformation excites or disappoints you.
Source: Ariel Zilber
